PHS AT A GLANCE: The Hornets have been hot of late, winning four Ski Valley Conference games in a row. That streak has put them in a second-place tie with Mancelona.

Pellston is finally beginning to reach its potential, as much was expected of the Hornets at the season’s start. They are led by center Ridge Hahn, a college prospect who is league’s biggest, and perhaps best, big man. The Hornets also have a pair of athletic guard types in Justin Litzner and Jake Campeau. That trio makes up the majority of the team’s scoring. Litzner had 25 points and Hahn 19 in Pellston’s 68-44 win against Central Lake Friday.

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SMH AT A GLANCE: The Snowbirds have been riding the coattails of senior forward Alvin Sitkiewicz of late, as Sitkiewicz averaged 29.7 points and 11.7 rebounds last week as the Snowbirds went 2-1.

Sitkiewicz is good, but St. Mary has also gotten solid senior contributions from guys like Matt Foster, Brett Bauer, Jared Davis and Aaron Burzynski.

St. Mary defeated Pellston by 14 points earlier this season on the road. If it is to pull off another win, it will need strong contributions from all.

Thursday girls' hoops: Harbor Light Christian at Vanderbilt

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Vanderbilt High School

HLC RECORD: 9-5, 6-3 Northern Lakes

GHS RECORD: 12-3, 10-0 Northern Lakes

HLC AT A GLANCE: The Lady Swordsmen have been the pick of the litter in the Northern Lakes Conference over the past couple years, but have given way to a rising Vanderbilt program.

HLC isn’t without skill however and the Lady Swordsmen will be looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Yellowjackets in Harbor Springs.

Kaylee Hewitt is one of the league’s top guards and is an experienced leader.

VANDY AT A GLANCE: The Yellowjackets have been one of Northern Michigan’s most pleasant stories. Vanderbilt has jelled under rookie head coach Chris Rupe and is undefeated in conference play.

Senior Katie White has transformed from a good role player to a great leader. Her three-point ability has stretched defenses all season and she has spearheaded the ‘Jackets surge.

Vanderbilt also controls the boards, thanks to the hard-rebounding quartet of juniors Katie Hornshaw and Jamie Dudley and sophomores Sam Jones and Kristina Drayton. All of the mentioned also provide a frequent scoring punch.

Friday girls' hoops: Alpena at Gaylord

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Mongeau Gymnasium, Gaylord High School

AHS RECORD: 12-4, 5-3 Big North

GHS RECORD: 6-10, 2-6 Big North

AHS AT A GLANCE: The Wildcats had their biggest victory of the season Thursday with a 58-55 win against league-leading Petoskey. That victory was well-received in Traverse City, as T.C. West now sits in the driver’s seat for a BNC championship.

Alpena is a veteran and talented team, led by senior Alyssa Smith, who netted an impressive 28 points in the win against Petoskey. Senior Rachel Gebauer is also an excellent athlete and solid player for the Wildcats, who sit solidly in third place.

GHS AT A GLANCE: It’s no question the Blue Devils have showed vast improvement this season but they are still struggling to win close games — as evidenced by losses last week to Sault Ste. Marie and Traverse City Central.

Still, coach Kelli Parker’s squad has showed fight and promise for the future.

Stepping up as the team’s leading scorers has been senior Tessa Walsh and sophomore Bailey Gooding, who each flash vast skill at different times. Gooding is part of a solid sophomore class, that also includes guards Brittney Deerfield and Michelle Wright and forward Brooke Arnold.

Gaylord has won two Big North Conference games this year — two more than the past two years combined. Springing one against the very good Wildcats would be the victory of the season.